I heard that USNA will be issuing all incoming plebes a laptop instead of a desktop; all other midn would be able to trade their current PCs for laptops for $100. Does anyone know if that's true?
Well, there was a rumor that Navy will be getting new cammies; I just saw them a few days ago, they look pretty sweet. Some rumors do come true.
The whole Brigade isn't scheduled to get the new cammies for some time...rumor is probably not until 2013 is graduating. The Navy seems to wait until it is well accepted in the Fleet before adopting something at the Academy...particularly uniforms. Some firsties who are going SWO have a set and wear them on 'warrior days'...aka, Fridays during 2nd semester. As for the computers, that rumor always surfaces. IIRC, based on the last feedback we got, we won't be able to trade in our computers. I don't know anything about laptops for '13.
Not for Plebe Summer. It may be company specific, but for most it is allowed after the start of the Academic year. We brought our Mid's up at PPW. Left it with his sponsor family until he could bring it into Bancroft. He found it useful for studying at his sponsors house and when on movement orders. (away from the Yard for sports events) Big thing to keep in mind - you cannot connect your personal computer (i.e. not purchased for you via USNA) to the network. It is a DOD network and they control all equipment connected.
Regarding laptops... During this past CVW, we went to a briefing about the computer science department. The professor that gave the presentation did say that laptops would be issued next year. If that is true, that would be nice. Although the desktops I used were plenty powerful, I find that notebooks are more versatile than desktops.
so if you were to bring a laptop after plebe summer it woudlnt be able to conenct to the wireless network? and can someone explain the sponsor family thing?
Correct, any computer that is not the issued computer will not connect to the network. Every plebe is assigned a family in the Annapolis area. When they have free time (on Saturday's) they may choose to go to their home to relax, eat a home cooked meal, wash clothes... It's a place to get away from the pressure of the yard. (A current mid can feel free to correct my description/purpose) SWO = surface warfare officer IIRC = if I recall correctly
It is against regulations to connect a non issued computer to the DoD (USNA) network. Most Mids go into DTA and connect at one of the various wireless cafe's. Sponsor Families: you will get information in the Permit to Report package about the Sponsor Family program. It will be your choice if you want to participate. Not all Mids have sponsors - some by choice and others by unforeseen circumstances. You will get a questionnaire to fill out and then over Plebe Summer the Academy will match you with a family. You should meet your Sponsor family toward the end of Plebe Summer. There is an afternoon that the Sponsors come to Alumni Hall to meet their new sponsor kids. Many sponsors will also have other Mids so you can end up with sponsor brothers and sisters in other classes or even in the Class of 2013. Sometimes it does happen that a Sponsor family will not make the event. Some relationships will work out very well. Others will not. Some Mids will spend a lot of time with their Sponsor Family, others will not. Some sponsor Moms and Dads will help with transportation to the Airport, provide a place to crash for overnights and have their sponsor Mids bring friends. Sometimes when the relationship does not work you can get "adopted" by a friends family. Although this is a link that is intended for the Sponsor - you may learn some things from the FAQ's http://www.usna.edu/Sponsor/faq.htm
Just a quick question! What is a SWO and why are the Fridays during a firsties second semesters called "warrior days?"
MOST firsties know what they are doing after graduation by second semester.. for example if they are going to be a pilot, a marine, etc. "Warrior Days" are fridays of second semester when the firsties can wear the uniform that they will be wearing after graduation. for example, the pilot jumper suits or their combat uniforms for marines.
Most plebes use the issued computer. It's "sick" it's so fast--so they say. Everything they need to do, they can do on it--except listen to music, which is forbidden, basically, on any computer. Our plebe keeps Guitar Hero and his ipod at the sponsor's house. Those keep him sane enough.
so are there regular checks on your computer to ensure no music files are being downlaoded, stored, ect?
^^^LOL Oh yes IT can see where you are going and what you are doing! Most employers can, so now don't go thinking this is a gov't thing.
